Tunisia's Ex-President Marzouki Sentenced to 8 Years in Absentia Amid Political Crackdown

The sentence against Moncef Marzouki, Tunisia's first democratically elected president, highlights the ongoing suppression of dissent under President Kais Saied.

Former President Moncef Marzouki was sentenced to eight years in prison in absentia for remarks deemed to incite disorder and call for the overthrow of the government.
Marzouki, a vocal critic of President Kais Saied's consolidation of power, has been living in Paris since his initial sentencing in 2021.
The charges stem from Marzouki's criticism of Saied's actions, including suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution, which opponents liken to a coup.
This is the second time Marzouki has been sentenced in absentia, following a four-year verdict in 2021 for undermining state security.
The sentencing raises concerns about the state of democracy and freedom in Tunisia, as Saied's crackdown on opposition figures and critics continues.